Origin of Pilates

The story of Joseph Hubertus Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method of exercise is a colorful and inspiring one – one of how weakness can be turned into strength. Born in 1880 in a small town in Germany, Joe was a sickly child suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He was often bullied by his peers and he was unable to “fight back” as he was very skinny and frail. However, even as a child, Joe never let any adversity hold him down. Joe overcame his physical limitations by intently studying the human anatomy and watching the natural movements of animals. In addition, he also studied both eastern and western forms of exercise including yoga, Zen and ancient Greek and Roman regimens. By the time he was 14, Joe’s body was so developed through exercise that he was modeling for anatomy charts. In his growing years, he was also a successful boxer, gymnast and a skilled skier and diver.

It was at the outbreak of World War 1 that Joe had the opportunity to refine his ideas in his system of exercise, which later became known as “Contrology”. He began devising equipment to rehabilitate the many internees who suffered from wartime diseases and incarceration, which would later become his innovative equipment design for his series of exercises.

In 1923, Joe decided to migrate to the United States, and it was during his voyage that he met Clara, his wife. Together, they opened a fitness studio in New York City. Joe’s exercises very quickly became popular among dancers. Many dancers started incorporating Pilates into their exercise regime as it would help in strengthening and “balancing”. In addition, due to the remedial and rehabilitative nature of Pilates, many people, from dancers to sportsmen and women, to the man-in-the-street, would go to Joe and Clara to have their injuries “fixed”.

Over the years, Joe and Clara took many students under their wing. One prominent student was Ron Fletcher, who is known today as one of the five Pilates “Elders” or “First Generation” Pilates teachers.

Joe continued teaching Pilates until his death in 1967, at the age of 87.

“The goal of the Pilates method is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind and the ability to perform life’s daily activities with zest and ease” – Joseph Pilates, founder of Pilates